Good Audio System for Living Room

If you find a Rega dealer try an all Rega system. You MIGHT be able to improve by researching for hours, shopping around, looking for use bargains, but will it really be worth it? You decide. Rega makes good stuff, and if you like what the dealer plays you then get it. You'll probably get a very enjoyable system for around $2500.

One caveat .. make sure the dealer places the speakers a similar distance from the back wall to how you will use them in your living room as this makes a huge difference to how a speaker sounds.

To be more general (so you don't think I'm pimping Rega stuff) I think your best approach is to find a local audio dealer with a good reputation (start a separate thread) and go to them and tell them :

1) your budget
2) the size of the room
3) your listening tastes ... take your CDs or LPs with you.
4) Where the speakers must be placed.
5) where you must sit.

And ask for their recommendation of CD, amp, speakers, cables to fit in your budget. Demo it, and if it sounds great get it .. if you're not sure ask for a different combination or try a different dealer until you hear something you could live with.

Mcintosh, Proac, Rega, Arc ..... there are a gazillion manufacturers making great audio equipment, but making suggestions to you on this thread is a crapshoot, since not all components will work well together and not all will suit your room and / or taste in music.

If you want to spend 5-10 years searching for the pinnacle of hifi reproduction within your budget then stay on audigon and buy used equipment. However if you just want a great sounding hifi for reasonable outlays of time and money find a good dealer(s), take their recommendations and be sure to demo the whole system. Good luck.

Ejlif has a good point ... "My opinion is that if you can't sit in the sweet spot (or if you would even) you aren't going to notice a termendous diffrence between a budget system and an expensive one." Couldn't agree more. Good post.